Write Buffer Reset Command for Resistance Variable Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory management techniques for resistance variable memory technologies are inefficient due to the need for pre-read phases in update operations, which consume energy and increase latency, especially when updating managed units out-of-place.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a write buffer reset command to place write buffers in a reset state, allowing for modified write commands that do not require pre-read phases, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving latency by avoiding the need for data pattern comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-read phases are used in update operations, then data pattern comparisons can be performed, but energy consumption increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The write buffer is reset to a known initial state before the write operation, performing the preparation action in advance. This eliminates the need for pre-read phases during the actual write operation, reducing energy consumption and latency while ensuring data pattern comparison accuracy is maintained through the reset mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The write buffer state is changed from an unknown state requiring pre-read to a known reset state. By changing the buffer's initial condition parameter, the system eliminates the need for energy-intensive pre-read operations and data pattern comparisons, directly reducing energy consumption and latency.
2Reliability
If pre-read phases are used in update operations, then data can be properly updated, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The write buffer is reset to a known initial state before the write operation, performing the preparation action in advance. This eliminates the need for pre-read phases during the actual write operation, reducing energy consumption and latency while ensuring data pattern comparison accuracy is maintained through the reset mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-read phase is extracted and removed from the update operation sequence. By taking out the unnecessary pre-read step, the system achieves data update correctness without the latency penalty, as the write buffer is instead initialized to a known state before the write operation begins.
3Measurement precision
If pre-read phases are used in update operations, then data patterns can be compared, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The write buffer is reset to a known initial state before the write operation, performing the preparation action in advance. This eliminates the need for pre-read phases during the actual write operation, reducing energy consumption and latency while ensuring data pattern comparison accuracy is maintained through the reset mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The write buffer state is changed from an unknown state requiring pre-read to a known reset state. By changing the buffer's initial condition parameter, the system eliminates the need for energy-intensive pre-read operations and data pattern comparisons, directly reducing energy consumption and latency.
4Productivity
If write buffers are not reset, then write operations can proceed, but data pattern comparisons are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The write buffer is reset to a known initial state before the write operation, performing the preparation action in advance. This eliminates the need for pre-read phases during the actual write operation, reducing energy consumption and latency while ensuring data pattern comparison accuracy is maintained through the reset mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for buffer reset commands for write buffers. An example apparatus includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The memory can include an array of resistance variable memory cells configured to store data corresponding to a managed unit across multiple partitions each having a respective write buffer corresponding thereto. The controller can be configured to update the managed unit by providing, to the memory, a write buffer reset command followed by a write command. The memory can be configured to execute the write buffer reset command to place the write buffers in a reset state. The memory can be further configured to execute the write command to modify the content of the write buffers based on data corresponding to the write command and write the modified content of the write buffers to an updated location in the array.